Effective guttering is a crucial part of any roof plumber’s day-to-day job. Gutters protect your roof by funnelling rainwater off, minimising water build-up and increasing functionality and longevity.
Additionally, it protects your home’s walls, roofs, windows and even foundation – instead of rainwater dripping directly onto your walls and windows, it’s channelled away towards rainwater spouts.
You do yourself and your home a huge favour by properly caring for your gutters. Periodic maintenance ensures your gutters are effective for many years to come.
Sometimes however, your gutters are far beyond repair that they need to be replaced completely. If so, you might want to watch out for these signs that you might need to replace your home gutters soon!
Sign #1: are there cracks or holes in your gutter?
Whenever there are gutter cracks, expect leaks.
Minor cracks can lead to major leaks if ignored for long periods of time. Running water is a powerful force – it literally carved the Grand Canyon into the earth.
Leaks don’t just further degrade your worn-out gutters. They can also damage your walls, awnings and even the foundation – constant water can wear these down and will even lead to mould growth.
If these cracks and holes are neglected, chances are your home might be in serious trouble.
Long story short: if you notice your gutters are worn through at points, get them replaced as soon as possible.
Sign #2: have a sagging section? You may need gutter replacement
Debris such as leaves and dirt build up in your gutters year-round, blown up by wind or brought down by rain.
Normally, this isn’t a problem. However, sometimes this debris can build up to the point where your gutter simply can’t carry anymore weight and the support brackets start giving way.
In other cases, a sagging gutter is a sign of a poor installation job. Improper materials or shoddy craftsmanship can often lead to gutters that simply aren’t up to scratch.
Either way, the result is the same: an obvious, unmissable sag.
Sagging or droopy gutters are an immediate red flag that you need to repair or replace your gutters.
If your gutter looks like it’s about to give way, talk to a roof plumber about gutter repair.
We’ll inspect your gutter system and repair any weak points we uncover.
If damage is severe, we may recommend replacement rather than repair.
Sign #3: a broken or clogged gutter leaves visible watermarks
Visible watermarks on your ceiling and walls are one of the immediate, unmissable signs of a roof leak.
If parts of your roof are discoloured or feature watermarks, it could indicate that your gutters aren’t getting water off fast enough.
It could be a clog in your gutters or downpipes. It might even be that your gutters can’t handle the amount of water that ends up on your roof after rain.
Either way, it’s best to seek help from a professional roof plumber.
Sign #4: your roof or gutters have turned into mini swimming pools
Regular gutters cleaning ensures your gutters are free from any dirt and debris that might obstruct the flow of water and make your gutters sag, as mentioned above.
Water build-up isn’t just a symptom of gutter problems. Oftentimes, it can cause problems itself!
We touched on this briefly the last time we talked about gutters, but water build-up can weaken your roof foundations and cause internal leaks.
Not to mention, stagnant water in your gutter are a breeding ground for infestations like mosquitos as well as unhealthy mould growth.
And that’s why we recommend regular gutter cleaning!
Sign #5: you find loose nails and screws from your gutter on the ground
If it’s reached the point where nails and screws are finding their way onto the ground, arrange emergency gutter replacement, ASAP!
To say your gutter might need a bit of TLC if you’re seeing nails and screws on the ground is an understatement, to say the least. If anything, you should take it as a sign that your gutter is going to give way. Now’s the time to arrange an immediate gutter inspection.
Whatever you do, don’t try to replace the screws and nails yourself. You can’t be sure of the condition of your gutters.
Don’t risk further damage or injury – avoid DIY and arrange gutter replacement from a professional roofer.
Don’t ignore the signs – contact a Watermaster roof plumber for gutter replacement in Melbourne!
You mightn’t spend too much time thinking about your gutters… but Watermaster Roofing does!
The Watermaster roof plumber team provides quality roofing services, from gutter maintenance to complete roof replacement.
Our fully-licensed and qualified roofing professionals have been at it for over 20 years. You can be confident you’re getting quality service for your gutters, your roof, and essentially, your home!
Want to arrange a gutter inspection? Call the Watermaster Roofing office on 1300 576 075 to book an inspection and to discuss how we can solve your roofing problems.
Alternatively, contact us here and we will be in touch.